Can You Freeze Cooked Chicken? (The Ultimate Guide)

Let’s be honest, sometimes you cook up a delicious roast chicken, but you only need half. Or maybe you’ve made a batch of chicken curry, and you’ve got leftovers. It’s a real shame to waste that good food. That’s where freezing comes in – it’s a simple way to have a delicious meal ready to go in minutes.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about freezing cooked chicken, from the best methods to the dos and don’ts. We’ll cover freezing leftovers, whole roasted birds, and even chicken in sauces. I'll even throw in some of my own tips and tricks that I’ve learned over the years. So, grab a cuppa, relax, and let's get started!

(Part 1) The Basics of Freezing Cooked Chicken

Freezing cooked chicken is a surprisingly easy way to avoid food waste and have delicious meals on hand. It's all about storing it properly to prevent freezer burn and maintain the quality of the chicken.

1. The Importance of Cooling Down

Before you pop that cooked chicken in the freezer, it’s crucial to let it cool down completely. This prevents the growth of bacteria and ensures the chicken freezes evenly. Imagine putting a hot pizza straight into the freezer—it could raise the temperature inside, risking thawing other items.

Here’s what you do:

Let the chicken cool to room temperature. This might take a few hours.

Place it in the fridge to chill for another couple of hours.

This way, the chicken will be properly chilled and ready for the freezer.

2. The Right Container for the Job

Choosing the right container for your frozen chicken is essential. You want something airtight to prevent freezer burn, which can dry out the chicken, making it tough and less flavorful. Here are my top recommendations:

Freezer-safe bags: These are fantastic for portioning out chicken, especially leftovers. Just be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag to prevent freezer burn.

Freezer-safe containers: These offer excellent protection against freezer burn and are ideal for storing whole roasted chickens or larger portions. Ensure the container is fully airtight and label it clearly.

Vacuum-sealed bags: For those who want the ultimate protection, these bags remove all the air, preventing freezer burn and maintaining the chicken’s texture and flavor. If you're a serious freezer enthusiast, a vacuum sealer is a worthwhile investment.

3. The Power of Labeling

Labeling is crucial, especially when it comes to your freezer. It might seem like a minor detail, but it can save you a lot of time and stress down the line. Label your frozen chicken with the date it was frozen and the type of chicken it is. This will help you identify what you've got in the freezer and prevent using it after it's past its prime.

(Part 2) Freezing Different Types of Cooked Chicken

Freezing chicken is a versatile skill. Let's break down the best methods for different types of cooked chicken.

1. Freezing Leftover Cooked Chicken

This is the most common scenario—you’ve just had a delicious roast chicken dinner, and there's a mountain of leftover chicken. Don't let it go to waste! Here's how to freeze it:

Cool it completely: Let the chicken cool completely before storing it.

Portion it out: If you're freezing a whole roasted chicken, separate the breast meat, legs, thighs, and wings into individual portions. This makes it easier to defrost and use later. You can also freeze the chicken in a sauce, like a curry, or in a casserole.

Choose your container: Opt for freezer-safe bags or containers. I prefer bags because they're more compact in the freezer, but containers are great for storing a lot of chicken.

Label it: Write the date on the container so you know how long it's been frozen.

2. Freezing a Whole Roasted Chicken

A whole roasted chicken is a delightful centerpiece for any meal, but sometimes you don’t need the whole thing. Here's how to freeze it:

Cool it completely: Let the chicken cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for a couple of hours.

Wrap it up: Wrap the chicken tightly in cling film, then cover it in a layer of foil. This will help prevent freezer burn.

Store it in a freezer bag: Place the wrapped chicken in a large freezer-safe bag and squeeze out the air before sealing it tightly.

Label it: Don’t forget to label the bag with the date.

3. Freezing chicken pieces

Freezing chicken pieces, like breasts, thighs, or drumsticks, is a great way to have chicken ready for quick meals. Here's how:

Cool them down: Let the chicken pieces cool completely, then refrigerate them for a couple of hours.

Portion them out: Divide the pieces into individual portions, or group them together depending on your needs.

Store them in a freezer bag: Place the portions in freezer-safe bags, squeezing out the air before sealing them.

Label them: Write the date on the bag so you know when they were frozen.

4. Freezing Chicken in Sauce

Freezing chicken in a sauce, like a curry or a stew, is an excellent way to make a meal ahead of time. Here's how to do it:

Cool it completely: Let the chicken and sauce cool completely before freezing.

Choose your container: Use freezer-safe containers or bags. If you're using bags, lay the bag flat in the freezer to freeze it evenly.

Label it: Write the date and what's in the container on the label.

5. Freezing Chicken in a Casserole

If you have a leftover casserole with chicken, freezing it is a breeze. Here's how:

Cool it completely: Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for a couple of hours.

Store it in a freezer-safe container: Choose a container that's large enough for the casserole and is freezer-safe. You can use a casserole dish if it's freezer-safe, or transfer it to a smaller container.

Label it: Write the date and what's in the container on the label.

(Part 3) How Long Can You Freeze Cooked Chicken?

Now that you've frozen your chicken, how long can you keep it in the freezer? The general rule of thumb is that cooked chicken can be safely frozen for 2-3 months. However, it's best to use it within 1-2 months for the best flavour and texture. After that, the chicken might start to lose some of its quality.

The freezer temperature also plays a role in how long you can keep chicken frozen. The ideal freezer temperature is 0°F (-18°C), but it's important to check your freezer's temperature regularly to ensure it's still working properly.

And remember, just like any other frozen food, cooked chicken shouldn't be refrozen once it's been thawed.

(Part 4) Thawing Frozen Cooked Chicken

You’ve got a craving for that leftover roast chicken, so it's time to thaw it out. There are a few ways to do it, and the best method depends on how much time you have.

1. Thawing in the Refrigerator

This is the safest and most recommended method, as it prevents the growth of bacteria. Simply transfer your frozen chicken from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. This usually takes about 8-12 hours, depending on the size of the chicken.

You can also thaw it in the refrigerator if you need to use it in a few days. It's a great option if you know you'll be needing the chicken soon but don't have time to thaw it immediately.

2. Thawing in Cold Water

This method is faster than thawing in the fridge, but it's important to do it safely. Submerge the frozen chicken in a bowl of cold water, making sure the water is constantly changing. This should take about 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the chicken.

Just make sure to keep the chicken submerged in cold water and change the water regularly to prevent bacteria growth.

3. Thawing in the Microwave

You can also thaw cooked chicken in the microwave, but it's not the best option as it can make the chicken unevenly cooked. If you do decide to use the microwave, make sure you follow the instructions in your microwave's manual. Also, keep in mind that thawed chicken should be cooked immediately.

(Part 5) Cooking with Frozen Cooked Chicken

You've thawed your chicken, and now you're ready to cook with it. There are a few key points to remember:

1. Reheating

Reheating frozen cooked chicken is easy. You can reheat it in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. Just make sure to cook it until it's heated through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Oven: Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Microwave: Heat it on high for 2-3 minutes, checking the temperature frequently.

Stovetop: Simmer it in a sauce or broth until heated through.

2. Using in Recipes

Frozen cooked chicken is a versatile ingredient. You can use it in casseroles, soups, salads, sandwiches, and even stir-fries. Just thaw it properly and add it to your recipe as usual.

3. Freezing Chicken for Later

If you've got a large batch of cooked chicken, you can freeze it in portions for later use. This is a great way to save time and have meals ready to go in a pinch.

(Part 6) Tips and Tricks

Over the years, I've picked up a few tips and tricks that have made freezing cooked chicken even easier. Here are a few of my favorites:

Freeze chicken in sauces: I love freezing chicken in a sauce like a curry or a stew. This makes it easy to reheat and serve as a quick and easy meal.

Use freezer-safe containers: They're essential for preventing freezer burn. I like to use glass containers because they're easy to clean and see what's inside.

Label everything: This will save you a lot of time and stress when trying to find what you're looking for in the freezer.

Use freezer-safe bags for smaller portions: These are perfect for freezing chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks. Just make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag.

Don't refreeze thawed chicken: Once it's thawed, cook it and don't refreeze it.

Check your freezer temperature regularly: Make sure it's set to 0°F (-18°C). If it's not, it can affect the quality of your frozen chicken.

(Part 7) food safety

Food safety is crucial when freezing and thawing cooked chicken. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Always cool chicken completely before freezing: This will prevent the growth of bacteria.

Use airtight containers or bags: This will help prevent freezer burn and ensure that the chicken stays fresh.

Thaw chicken in the refrigerator or in cold water: Never thaw chicken at room temperature.

Cook chicken thoroughly after thawing: Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Don't refreeze thawed chicken: Once it's thawed, cook it and don't refreeze it.

(Part 8) Common Mistakes to Avoid

We all make mistakes, and freezing cooked chicken is no exception. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Freezing hot chicken: This can raise the temperature of your freezer and affect other items. Let the chicken cool completely before freezing it.

Using non-freezer-safe containers: This can lead to freezer burn and contamination. Always use freezer-safe containers or bags.

Not labeling properly: This can make it difficult to identify what you've got in the freezer. Label your chicken with the date and what type of chicken it is.

Thawing chicken at room temperature: This can lead to the growth of bacteria. Always thaw chicken in the refrigerator or in cold water.

Refreezing thawed chicken: This can also lead to the growth of bacteria. Once it's thawed, cook it and don't refreeze it.

(Part 9) FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about freezing cooked chicken:

1. Can I freeze cooked chicken that's been in the fridge for a few days?

Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken that's been in the fridge for a few days. Just make sure it's properly cooled before freezing. However, it's best to use it within 1-2 months for the best quality.

2. Can I freeze cooked chicken with bones?

Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken with bones. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in cling film and foil to prevent freezer burn.

3. Can I freeze cooked chicken in a casserole dish?

Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken in a casserole dish if it's freezer-safe. However, it's best to transfer it to a smaller container before freezing to save space.

4. Can I freeze cooked chicken in a sauce?

Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken in a sauce. This is a great way to make a meal ahead of time. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing and use a freezer-safe container or bag.

5. How long does cooked chicken last in the freezer?

Cooked chicken can be safely frozen for 2-3 months, but it's best to use it within 1-2 months for the best quality. Always check the date on the container to make sure it's still safe to eat.

(Part 10) Conclusion

Freezing cooked chicken is a fantastic way to save time and money, and it's a lifesaver when you’ve got leftovers. Just follow these simple tips and tricks, and you'll be a pro in no time. Remember, always prioritize food safety, and you'll be enjoying delicious, frozen cooked chicken for months to come.